Maryland

Travel Guide

Baltimore Inner Harbor Marina featuring a marina, central business district and boating
Thurgood Marshall Memorial
Jolly Roger at the Pier featuring night scenes and rides as well as a large group of people
Baltimore which includes a city and a garden
Bethesda which includes railway items and heritage elements

America’s compact seventh state packs in a dazzling array of stunning coastal landscapes, fascinating historic attractions and thriving, multicultural cities.

Maryland is sometimes called “America in Miniature” for its varied topography. The state encompasses many features that make the U.S. an alluring destination. Not only does its complex, divided history reflect the story of the nation, but it is a geographically diverse and consistently exciting state. Wander around cities packed with history, explore stunning state parks and follow the picturesque coastline in this compact but multifaceted region.

History is visible in every corner of Maryland. Stroll through St. Mary’s City, founded in 1634, to learn about colonial America. Explore the city of Frederick to immerse yourself in the Civil War, when the state’s allegiances were divided between the North and South. This city located near the battlefields of Antietam and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, contains several historic sites commemorating the conflict.

Experience the cool, cosmopolitan culture of Baltimore, Maryland’s largest city. Spend your days visiting cultural attractions such as the Baltimore Museum of Art, the American Visionary Art Museum and Baltimore Museum of Industry. In the evenings, attend a performance at venues such as the Hippodrome Theatre and the Lyric Opera House or choose one of the city’s trendy pubs for a pint of craft beer.

Much of the appeal of Maryland lies in its natural beauty. The state encircles the waters of Chesapeake Bay and contains several state parks, beaches and islands. Take your binoculars to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and watch the skies for bald eagles and waterfowl. Kayak near a haunted lighthouse at Point Lookout State Park. Ride the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad through the northwestern corner of the state.

Hop between the islands of the bay. Assateague Island is the home of sandy beaches and wild horses, while Smith Island offers delectable seafood and additional wildlife watching opportunities.

Fly into Baltimore/Washington International Airport to arrive in the heart of Maryland. Visit the state in summer for sunny days by the beach or island exploration. Come in spring and fall to experience its thrilling cities.

Where to stay in Maryland

Downtown Washington D.C. showing street scenes, a city and night scenes

Downtown Washington D.C.

4.5/5(6,676 area reviews)

Central business district boasting Penn Quarter, Chinatown, and CityCenterDC, with a variety of bars, restaurants, and theaters. Explore historic sites like Lafayette Square and enjoy diverse dining options such as Fogo de Chão and Old Ebbitt Grill.

Downtown Washington D.C.
North Ocean City featuring swimming, a beach and general coastal views

North Ocean City

North Ocean City is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights in the area like Ocean City Beach and Carousel Ice Skating Rink.

North Ocean City
Assateague Island National Seashore showing a park and a coastal town

Downtown Ocean City

If you're spending some time in Downtown Ocean City, Ocean City Beach and Ripley's Believe It or Not! are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Ocean City
Top of the World Observation Level showing a city and a bay or harbor

Inner Harbor

Historic seaport with post-industrial waterfront redevelopment, the Inner Harbor offers attractions like the National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center. Easily walk to stadiums or catch a water taxi to explore nearby areas.

Inner Harbor
Jolly Roger Amusement Park

Midtown Ocean City

4.5/5(1,515 area reviews)

Midtown Ocean City is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Ocean City Beach and Seacrets Distilling Company.

Midtown Ocean City
Theodore Roosevelt National Park which includes a city and a river or creek

Northwest

4/5(100 area reviews)

Discover the heart of Washington, D.C. in this bustling quadrant, home to the central business district, Federal Triangle, and northern National Mall museums. Explore college campuses, catch a game at Capital One Arena, or visit the National Cathedral and Rock Creek Park. Enjoy seamless connectivity with all six Metro lines and numerous bus options.

Northwest
Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort

Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort

3 out of 5
Oceanfront on 91st Street, Ocean City, MD
$266 nightly
The price is $294 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$294 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,911 reviews)
"Wondering. I stay there many times"

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort
Fenwick Inn

Fenwick Inn

3 out of 5
13801 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD
$157 nightly
The price is $174 total per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
$174 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,971 reviews)
"Loved the shuttle to and from the beach, and free beach chairs at the beach. Room was very nice and very clean. Good N. OC location."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

Fenwick Inn
Grand Hotel Ocean City Oceanfront

Grand Hotel Ocean City Oceanfront

3 out of 5
2100 N Baltimore Ave, Ocean City, MD
$264 nightly
The price is $292 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$292 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,023 reviews)
"This is by far our favorite hotel! It's in a perfect location, the rooms are clean and comfortable, the staff are wonderful, and the amenities are great! Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025

Grand Hotel Ocean City Oceanfront
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Majestic Hotel & Apartments

Majestic Hotel & Apartments

3 out of 5
7th St & Boardwalk, Ocean City, MD
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
6.4/10 (238 reviews)
"I've stayed with the majestic several times in the past. It's a good apartment rental for me because I don't spend a lot of time inside. It's a little dated but they keep it clean. And I'm normally just looking for somewhere to sleep, shower, and charge my phone. The air conditioning was not very ..."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Majestic Hotel & Apartments
Coconut Malorie Resort Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

Coconut Malorie Resort Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

3 out of 5
200 59th Street on the Bay, Ocean City, MD
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,251 reviews)
"Nice place, everyone was nice, service was quick. You did have to pay $15 a day for parking which I think is very unnecessary. But the hotel was located in a nice place. Room was clean. Nice view. Over priced for the stay but it was also 4th July week & busy."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Coconut Malorie Resort Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
WhyHotel by Placemakr Columbia

WhyHotel by Placemakr Columbia

4 out of 5
6200 Valencia Ln, Columbia, MD
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Columbia. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (736 reviews)
"Great location and service."

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

WhyHotel by Placemakr Columbia
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Maryland